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Frequently Asked Questions - All FAQs

The most convenient way to join TICA is to first create an Online Service Account. As soon as you have an account, simply choose "Join TICA" from our Online Services. This will guide you through the necessary steps to apply and pay for your membership. TICA offers one year, five year, family and life memberships. View our current price list for more information.

No matter when in a membership year (i.e., May 1-April 30) a person joins TICA, he/she must renew that membership on May 1 in accordance with By-Laws 113.1, 113.1.1 and 113.1.2. A new member paying membership dues anytime in April must indicate to which membership year the dues apply - to the current year ending April 30 or the following year beginning May 1. Membership dues are not prorated. See Standing Rules 103.

All requests for membership lists must follow the Standing Rules 103.1. No membership data will be sold or otherwise provided to any TICA member by the Executive Office except as follows: The TICA member must currently be in good standing; The TICA member must agree that the Membership Data will be used only for a stated purpose, which is related to TICA's business, such as a mailing to members about shows, a pending election, a proposal to amend the Show Rules, a new TICA club, or the like; The member must agree not to copy or reuse the Membership Data, or to transfer the Membership Data to any other person or organization; If the Membership Data is provided on a form other than one-time use labels, all copies of it will be returned to TICA when the intended use is finished; The Membership Data provided will contain only names and mailing addresses, unless specifically approved by the Board of Directors.

1018.2 Amendments. Proposals to amend Standards shall be considered by the Board of Directors at annual or semi-annual meetings and must be in writing and received in accordance with ARTICLE EIGHTEEN, 118.2 of the TICA By-Laws. Proposals must be received by the Genetics and Rules Committees no later than 120 days prior to the opening day of the meeting. Proposals received after the 120-day deadline will be placed on the following meeting agenda.

1018.2.1 Proposals must be on the approved form, R-4023 Proposal to Amend Standards (available from the Executive Office or tica.org).

1018.2.1.1 Notification. Members are to be notified of action taken at the Board Meeting on proposals submitted by them with a target date of 10 working days after completion of the minutes.By-Laws:

118.2 Amendment of Existing Standards. Proposed Standard amendments including but not limited to the addition or deletion of colors or the adoption of a new Standard for a recognized breed shall be submitted by the Breed Committee Chairperson to the Genetics, and Rules Committees 120 days prior to the Board meeting at which the changes are to be considered. The Genetics and Rules Committees shall act on the proposal within 15 days of receipt. Upon approval of the Genetics and Rules Committees, the Executive Office shall issue a ballot to all bonafide voting members of the Breed/Breed Group Section(s) no less than 100 days prior to the Board Meeting at which the changes are to be considered, to be counted by the official TICA Ballot Judge. Financial responsibility for said poll shall rest with the requesting party(ies).

TICA recognizes more breeds of pedigreed cats because it is a genetic registry. As a genetic registry, TICA allows new breeds still being developed and breeds with new traits. Read more about our breed classifications on our Breeds Page.

Cattery names must be TWO letters different from any other TICA registered cattery. Owners of a cattery name may register another cattery name with only one letter difference. Effective 1992, no cattery names will be registered with: more than 15 letters; punctuation marks (#, &, -, etc.); apostrophes; spaces; hyphenations; more than one word; duplications. Effective 06/01/03, cattery names will be used exactly as they are registered, i.e., if the cattery was not registered with an apostrophe "s", it may not use an apostrophe "s".

The prefix position in a cat's registered name is reserved for the breeder's TICA registered cattery name. Once registered, a cattery name may not be altered in any way, although the owner of the cattery may register as many cattery names as they choose. The name on a cat may not duplicate the use of any registered cattery name,, i.e., VELVETPAWS is a registered cattery name, therefore, no one may register a cat with the name VELVET PAWS STAR. The owner of VELVETPAWS may not register a cat as VELVET PAWS STAR, as the registered cattery name is VELVETPAWS. The non-owner of the registered cattery name VELVETPAWS may not use VELVET PAWS STAR as the name VELVETPAWS is registered to someone else.

The prefix position in a cat's registered name is reserved for the breeder's TICA registered cattery name. The breeder's cattery names may NOT be removed. The breeder is ALWAYS the owner of the dam at the time of mating. The suffix position in a cat's registered name is reserved for the owner's TICA registered cattery name. The suffix follows the word "of" after the registered name of the cat, i.e., BLUEBELL STAR OF REDWILLOW; BLUEBELL is the breeder's TICA registered cattery name, STAR is the name of the cat, and REDWILLOW is the owner's TICA registered cattery name. Any use of the word "of" in any language may denote a cattery suffix, and foreign translations for the word "of" will not be allowed, i.e., av, de, etc. If the word following the word "of" is NOT a TICA registered cattery name, or is not the owner's TICA registered cattery name, it will be automatically dropped. The suffix may change with a transfer of ownership.

A cat's name, including cattery names and the word "of" may not exceed 35 letters/characters/spaces combined. When the name of the cat is longer than 35 letters/characters/spaces, the suffix will be automatically dropped. The suffix may be added/changed at the time a cat is transferred. If the cat already has a suffix, then the suffix must be deleted and the new owner's cattery added with fees for each transaction.

On the litter registration application, under section C: DAM, under Signature of Owner(s), is a space to request your cattery name be used as a prefix on the litter. If this space is left empty, the Executive Office does not type your cattery name as prefix on each blueslip, and even if requested, will not register a cat from one of those blueslips with your cattery name in the prefix position. The way to correct this (if you did want your cattery name as prefix on the blueslips), is to return the Litter Registration Application and ALL the blueslips plus the $7 correction fee. If any of the kittens are already registered, you must also return those certificates (or have them returned) plus the $7 correction fee for each.

No alterations may be made to the printed portion of this document. Corrections to the printed portion of this document must be submitted to the Executive Office in writing by the breeder, together with the original documents and the appropriate fees.

The breeder(s) must enter information as to the sex, color, eye color, longhair (LH), shorthair (SH), standard (Std), non-standard (NStd). Std or NStd (Standard or Non-Standard) are terms for mutation breeds and may be used for whatever mutation exists for the breed being registered. The breeder's signature IS REQUIRED when the blocks "NOT FOR BREEDING" or "NOT FOR SHOWING" are marked. If this cat has been sold with the understanding that it will not be used for breeding or exhibition, ONLY the breeder may request any change. Requests for changes must be submitted to the Executive Office in writing.

Owner(s):Type or print the name of the cat in the blocks under "FIRST NAME CHOICE" and "SECOND NAME CHOICE". Once at the Executive Office, if it is possible, the first name choice is used, if it is not possible to use the first name choice, then the second name choice is automatically used. The second name choice is not required to be filled in, however, if the first name choice is a duplicate or has a cattery name registered to someone else or for some reason(s) cannot be used, then the registration must be sent back for an additional name choice. Remainder to stay the same. Type or print the name of the owner(s), name of the cat and complete address, city, state/province, country, and zip/postal code.

Names of Cats: Cats may not be named after an ancestor without written permission of the owner of the ancestor; a letter attesting to such permission is to be filed with the Executive Office. See Registration Rules 39.8. Owner(s) may enter two choices for the name of the cat to be registered at the top of the form. The owner's name, address, and city are not allowed in the name of the cat unless it is a TICA registered cattery. The names of cats may not be changed in any manner after they have been registered, except for the correction of clerical errors in the Executive Office; the addition of a cattery name as provided in ARTICLE EIGHT, 38.7, 38.8, and 38.10 of the Registration Rules; to re-register as Household Pets, TICA registered championship class cats pursuant to Show Rule 3.12.a; or pursuant to the Registration Rules, ARTICLE IX, Section 39.5. Names of cats and catteries may not be duplicated.

Punctuation: Punctuation marks of any kind (‘, &, #, etc.) are not allowed in the name of the cat.

Suffixes: A cat's name, including cattery names and the word "of" may not exceed 35 letters/characters/spaces combined. When the name of the cat is longer than 35 letters/characters/spaces, the suffix will be automatically dropped.

Cattery Names: The prefix position in a cat's registered name is reserved for the breeder's TICA registered cattery name. The breeder's cattery names may NOT be removed. The breeder is ALWAYS the owner of the dam at the time of mating. The suffix position in a cat's registered name is reserved for the owner's TICA registered cattery name. The suffix follows the word "of" after the registered name of the cat, i.e., BLUEBELL STAR OF REDWILLOW; BLUEBELL is the breeder's TICA registered cattery name, STAR is the name of the cat, and REDWILLOW is the owner's TICA registered cattery name. Any use of the word "of" in any language may denote a cattery suffix, and foreign translations for the word "of" will not be allowed, i.e., av, de, etc. If the word following the word "of" is NOT a TICA registered cattery name, or is not the owner's TICA registered cattery name, it will be automatically dropped. The suffix may change with a transfer of ownership.

The TICA Registration Rules state:"39.4 The names of cats may not be changed in any manner after they have been registered, except:

39.4.1 The correction of clerical errors in the recorder's office.

39.4.2 The addition of a cattery name as provided in ARTICLE EIGHT, 38.7, 38.8, and 38.10.

39.4.3 To re-register as Household Pets, TICA registered championship class cats may be registered pursuant to Show Rule 23.7.2.

39.4.4 A name change may be requested provided the Executive Office receives the request for a name change within 45 days (60 days in remote areas) from the date of issue of the initial Registration Certificate and the request is accompanied by the original Registration Certificate and the designated fee, which fee shall be determined by the Board of Directors. The name change will be approved only if there has been no previous transaction recorded for the cat by the Executive Office (i.e., show wins, lease agreement, or any transaction processed in the original name of the cat)." The fee is $50.

To transfer a TICA registered cat, please submit the Certificate of Registration to the Executive Office with the signature of all owners on the reverse of the certificate and the name of the new owner filled out plus the fee.

A 3-generation Certified pedigree from another association on the cat for which application is being made and a photocopy of a registration certificate from that association showing proof that the cat is owned by the person making the application and asking to be named the owner of the cat.

Fill out the HHP Registration Form. Owner's names are allowed in the cat's name. HHP's may only be registered as spay or neuter. HHP's may not use the name of a breed in the name. Only the owner's registered TICA cattery name may be suffix (follows the word "of"). Duplicate HHP names are allowed, but discouraged if possible. A HHP may not have a TICA registered cattery name in the prefix position.

The "slash" means either/or, so if you were signing a litter registration as the owner of the sire or dam, either owner could sign. The "and" means both, so on a litter, both owners would be required to sign as the owner of the sire or dam. This does not apply to transferring or leasing a cat. In the case of a transfer, ALL owners must sign on the reverse of the certificate. In the case of a lease, ALL owners must sign the lease form.

A 3-generation pedigree, stating the color and pattern and the registering association's assigned registration number for each ancestor listed can be submitted. This pedigree must be signed by the breeder of the cat for which application is being made and must include a statement that this pedigree is true and correct to the best of the breeder's knowledge; the breeder must check mark NOT FOR BREEDING or NOT FOR SHOWING if those statements apply. In addition, a photocopy of a registration certificate from another association showing proof that the cat is owned by the person making the application and asking to be named the owner of the cat.

In the cat registry, when the same name is used on several cats STAR CHARLIE, STAR REGGIE, STAR FUNKY, or the reverse, it shows up in catalogs and in pedigrees and appears to be a TICA registered cattery. People are most likely to choose their name or address to use in this manner when they don't know how cattery names are used which is the reason for the Executive Office procedure not to allow it. If they choose to register their name or part of their address as a TICA cattery, we are happy to do so.

When a cat is registered from another association with a cattery name (prefix or suffix) that is a TICA registered cattery name that is not registered to the breeder/owner of the cat, we add "/ID" to denote that this is not the TICA registered owner of that cattery. When the cat's name is seen in a pedigree, there is at least some question as to the TICA registered owner of the cattery being the owner or the breeder of the cat.

No matter when in a show year (May 1-April 30) a club is chartered, it must renew that charter on May 1 in accordance with Standing Rules for the membership 103.3.1, 103.3.1.1, 103.3.1.2. A new club chartered in April will have an expiration date of the following year. All officers must be members with the same expiration date as that of the club. Club charters and renewals are not prorated.

The Executive Office will not provide the total points on cat's standings for regional and international awards by phone. You can find this information by browsing through every category listed on: www.ticamembers.org/estimated_standings

Titles are different from scoring (different department). If you submit an application for recognition of wins and do not specify that your cat was shown pending or with a wrong registration number, the confirmation department will not notify the scoring department

The TICA Standing rules state:601.1 Unregistered Cats. Unregistered cats may be shown only once in TICA without a registration number. All points and/or wins for Annual Awards acquired by an unregistered cat in the second and/or subsequent shows shall be irrevocably lost. The exhibitor is obligated to furnish the registration number to the entry clerk or master clerk and the Executive Office. In order to obtain credit for any points and/or wins received at the first show where the cat, kitten, alter, household pet adult or household pet kitten was shown as unregistered, the owner must notify the Executive Office in writing requesting the first show to be credited and stating the name, date and location of the show, and the name of cat, breed (if applicable), registration number, and entry number.

These show reports are compiled by volunteer show reporters on the TICA mailing list. These show reports are not an official publication of The International Cat Association. The show results in this archive are compiled from marked catalogs that have not been verified by the TICA Executive Office and, as such, may not be construed as official results. Official scoring is done in the TICA Executive Office, independently of these reports.

Unregistered cats may be shown only once in TICA without a registration number. All points and/or wins for titles and/or Annual Awards acquired by an unregistered cat in the second and/or subsequent shows shall be irrevocably lost. The exhibitor is obligated to furnish the registration number to the entry clerk or master clerk and the Executive Office. In order to obtain credit for any points and/or wins received at the first show where the cat, kitten alter or household pet adult was shown as unregistered, the owner must notify the Executive Office in writing requesting the first show to be credited and stating the name, date and location of the show, and the name, breed (if applicable), registration number, and entry number.

Unregistered cats may be shown only once in TICA without a registration number. All points and/or wins for titles and/or Annual Awards acquired by an unregistered cat in the second and/or subsequent shows shall be irrevocably lost. The exhibitor is obligated to furnish the registration number to the entry clerk or master clerk and the Executive Office. In order to obtain credit for any points and/or wins received at the first show where the cat, kitten alter or household pet adult was shown as unregistered, the owner must notify the Executive Office in writing requesting the first show to be credited and stating the name, date and location of the show, and the name, breed (if applicable), registration number, and entry number.

601.2.8 Cats will be scored in the region of residence on January First.

601.2.9 Kittens will be scored in the region where they were first shown unless the Executive Office is notified in writing.

601.2.10 If a cat or kitten completed its show career before January 1st, it will be scored in the region where it completed that career.

601.2.11 For purposes of scoring, the transfer date on a Certificate of Registration is the date the transfer is received in the Executive Office. In order for the new owner to be shown on the awards, the transfer must be received in the Executive Office by January 1st; if the cat was shown only after the transfer then the transfer must be received in the Executive Office by May 7th. If the cat was shown only before the transfer then the old owner(s) will be furnished the award. There is no primary owner. Co-owners are equal owners of the cat. We score the cat in the region shown in the catalog. If different regions show up in different catalogs, first we check to make sure that one of the owners is from that region and then we change it. If we are informed at any time, where the cat resides, we make a note of that. When the regional lists go to the regional directors, they are usually very aware of where the cat should be scored and if the two directors concur, the cat can be changed at that time.

There are several classifications that cats are judged in. They include Championship cats, kittens and alters. There are also classes for Household Pets, Household Pet kittens and the newly developing breeds. Each cat or kitten is judged by their breed standard. This is a written standard of perfection for that particular breed. You can see each breed's standard on its individual breed. There are specialty rings and allbreed rings. Specialty rings will have only longhair cats judged together and the shorthair cats judged with only shorthair cats. An allbreed ring will have shorthair and longhair cats judged together and against one another. In either type ring, after the best of breed is selected, the judge will call a final which has the top ten cats, kittens or alters vying for the Best in their classification. You can learn more about judging by downloading the Spectators Guide.

It is your obligation to be familiar with the TICA rules regarding complaints and disciplinary actions prior to submitting a complaint or response. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Resources menu at the top of the page > Our Forms > Executive Office Forms. Neither the TICA office or the legal committee can assist you in determining what information or documentation to submit in support of a complaint or response.

The fee for filing a complaint is $75.00, plus $2.00 for each page over 10 pages. The response fee is zero for up to 10 pages, plus $5.00 for each page over 10 pages. You may not reduce pages or text to reduce the number of pages you submit.

You may file either a formal or informal complaint against a judge. An informal complaint may be sent directly to the Judging Administrator. There is no filing fee for such a complaint and TICA will take no direct action based upon a informal complaint. However, this information is placed in the judge's file and is reviewed when the judge seeks advancement. A formal complaint may be filed against a judge using the general complaint guidelines and by paying the appropriate fee. Such a complaint is handled as provided in this FAQ.

Your complaint or response, and all attachments, must be submitted on 8 1/2 x 11 paper (or standard size paper for those from outside North America), single sided. No post-its, small pieces of paper, or other under or oversized attachments are allowed. The text must be clearly legible. Your complaint must contain the specific TICA rules that you contend were violated.

Any supporting documentation and information must comply with the applicable rules. Any person providing supporting documentation that is not a party must be identified by full name, address and telephone number. The location of the originals of any documents submitted must be provided. Government records submitted by complaining parties must be certified.

You should submit all the pertinent information with your complaint or response. Please do not submit supplemental documentation or information after you have filed your complaint or response, as it will not be considered.

If you have filed or received a complaint, please obtain consent for email communications with Legal Counsel by contacting submit.work@tica.org. Please do not contact Legal Counsel by email to "file reports" about breeders, you will need to file a formal complaint.

Neither the TICA office or the legal committee provides status reports of any kind regarding pending complaints. If you have received a receipt from the TICA office for your filing fee, your complaint is being processed.

If your complaint was filed less than 120 days prior to a meeting of the board of directors (held 2 times a year - in May and the week before Labor Day), it is likely that your complaint will not be reviewed at that meeting, but at the following meeting. You may expect information of the initial action taken on your complaint approximately four to six weeks following the board meeting at which your complaint is reviewed.

Each complaint is reviewed individually, and therefore it is impossible to indicate what the outcome will be until that complaint is reviewed. Generally, TICA does not take any action on disputes between breeders or get involved in any sort of contractual disputes. However, if a written agreement provides that a TICA registration will be provided with a pet cat, generally the breeder is expected to comply with that agreement.If you have a dispute with a breeder, some breeds have breed-specific organizations which may deal with those types of disputes, for example, MCBFA (the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association) and TIBS (The International Bengal Society).

The initial action taken by the board of the directors is usually either no action, at which point the complaint is closed, or the matter is set for hearing at the next board meeting. However, other action can be taken at the initial review.

Please note, TICA does not take "reports" on health issues.

Generally, TICA does not take any action on health issues. This is generally more suitable for a civil action.

TICA cannot generally control statements made by individuals. However, TICA does not consider that it is in the best interest of TICA, the cat fancy as a whole, or to be to the benefit of cats in any way for complaints or allegations against TICA members, exhibitors or breeders to be posted to email lists or otherwise distributed.